Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Family smuggled Brazilian migrants into the US for $18,000-22,000 fees, then forced them to work off the debt at two Woburn restaurants under threats of violence and deportation. Accused: Jesse James Moraes, Hugo Giovanni Moraes, and Chelbe Willams Moraes.
Location
United States · Boston, Massachusetts · 2024 (location generalized to protect survivors)
Response & intervention
HSI and Department of Labor Office of Inspector General investigation. Family charged with forced labor, attempted forced labor, and labor trafficking. Victims assisted through Massachusetts anti-trafficking task force resources.